Storage equipment and storage method

ABSTRACT

A storage system comprises: a heat-insulating outer shell ( 1 ) capable of insulating inner space (V); an ice storage water tank ( 4 ) capable of storing water therein disposed in an ice storage water tank disposing space ( 5 ) provided in the inner space (V) of the heat-insulating outer shell ( 1 ); a storage space ( 3 ) for storing objects ( 2 ) to be stored provided in the inner space (V) of the heat-insulating outer shell ( 1 ); an outside-air inlet opening ( 1   a ) provided at a lower portion of the heat-insulating outer shell ( 1 ), the inlet opening being capable of introducing outside air into the inner space (V); an inside-air outlet opening ( 1   b ) provided at an upper portion of the heat-insulating outer shell ( 1 ), the outlet opening being capable of discharging inside air from the inner space (V) of the heat-insulating outer shell ( 1 ) to the outside; and an object entrance-exit opening ( 7 ) provided at an upper portion of the heat-insulating outer shell ( 1 ) for allowing entrance-exit of the objects ( 2 ) to and from the storage space ( 3 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage facility and a storage methodusing the storage facility. For example, the invention relates to astorage facility and a storage facility involving low-temperature,high-humidity storage of an object to be stored (e.g. agriculturalproduct such as potato, vegetable, fruits, etc.), or precooling ofvegetable, and also to a storage method using the system.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As the conventional storage facility and storage method of theabove-noted type, there are known the system and method utilizing thedirect-cooling refrigerating cycle. For example, there is known a systemand method utilizing such direct-cooling refrigerating cycle from e.g.Japanese laid-open patent gazette No. Hei. 5-26557.

Basically, this system is designed to maintain low temperature byabsorbing respiration heat of the vegetable stored inside a storagehouse. Accordingly, for reducing the temperature its inside, this systememploys a moisture permeable film (Japanese laid-open patent gazette No.Hei. 6-74646) for maintaining moisture or additionally includes ahumidifier (Japanese laid-open patent gazette No. Hei. 8-42960), forforcibly increasing the humidity.

As a small-scale storage, there is known a system referred to icehouse.According to this, in a snowfall region, a hole is dug in the earth,Into this hole, vegetables are introduced, on which snow is put forstorage. In recent years, as exemplified by e.g. Japanese patent gazetteNo. 2598574, there have been attempts in cold districts such as storagefacility/storage method in which a heat-exchanger pipe is employed forcooling inside of a storage house in which agricultural products arestored, or storage facility/storage method in which a heat pipe havinggood cold conducting property during winter time is employed for makingartificial frozen soil to be used as cold source (Japanese laid-openpatent gazette No. Hei. 7-218080).

Further, regarding precooling, as exemplified by Japanese publishedpatent gazette No. Hei. 7-99991, there is storage facility/storagemethod in which a product is sealed in a plastic bag to be cooled.

According to the conventional art described above, there is required asignificant amount of electricity since a large refrigerator is employedas the ice making machine. Also, in the conventional storage facilitytoo, there is the problem of large consumption of electricity sincerefrigerating cycle is employed as the heat source. Moreover, in he caseof such method using refrigerating cycle, in order to maintain the lowtemperature inside the storage house of the vegetables, not only therespiration heat is absorbed from the vegetables, but also significantdehydration of the vegetables occurs as the result. Hence, a humidifieror the like needs to be employed, but, this too adds to the electricityconsumption.

Further, in order to solve the problem of electricity consumption by therefrigerating cycle, it it conceivable to employ the system calledicehouse using snow. However, the density of snow has such small valueas 0.27 approximately. Then, in order to adapt it to the system/method,an extremely large amount of snow needs to be prepared and also alarge-scale facility too will be necessary for storing the snow. As aresult, significant costs will be needed for transportation of snow andbuilding of the facility. Also, in cold districts without snowaccumulation, the snow must be transported from a distant place, henceleading to especially high costs.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a storagefacility/storage method solving the above-described problems, notrequiring large amount of electricity, suitable of multiple of purposes,allowing storage of storage objects kept under good storage conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to FIGS. 4-8 and 11, the system comprises a heat-insulatingouter shell capable of insulating inner space; an ice storage water tankcapable of storing water therein disposed in an ice storage water tankdisposing space provided in the inner space of the heat-insulating outershell; a storage space for storing objects to be stored provided in theinner space of the heat-insulating outer shell; an outside-air inletopening provided at a lower portion of the heat-insulating outer shell,the inlet opening being capable of introducing outside air into theinner space; an inside-air outlet opening provided at an upper portionof the heat-insulating outer shell, the outlet opening being capable ofdischarging inside air from the inner space of the heat-insulating outershell to the outside; and an object entrance-exit opening provided at anupper portion of the heat-insulating outer shell for allowingentrance-exit of the objects to and from the storage space.

According to one feature of the invention defined in claim 1, when theouter air becomes sub-zero condition, the outer air enters through theoutside-air inlet opening into the ice storage water tank disposingspace, so that the air absorbs latent heat from the water stored in theice storage water tank for freezing this water. Further, the aircontacting the ice storage water tank, by absorbing latent heat from thewater, experiences temperature rise, and due to reduction of its densityassociated therewith, the air is caused to rise in the inner space ofthe heat-insulating outer shell to be discharged through the inside-airoutlet opening to the outside.

Therefore, within the inner space of the heat-insulating outer shell,there is generated upward air current due to the transfer of latent heatassociated with freezing of the water, so that the introduction ofoutside air into the ice storage water tank disposing space anddischarge thereof can take place in automatic and continuous manner.Thus, it has become possible to freeze the water inside the ice storagewater tank by utilizing the cold source of the cold district which isthe natural resource of the earth. Hence, ice can be made inexpensivelyand energy can be saved, so that the system can contribute significantlyto the reduction of carbon dioxide gas output on the earth.

And, by the cold from the ice made in the ice storage water tankdisposing space, the storage space can be maintained under refrigeratingcondition (about 0° C.), for allowing storage objects stored in thestorage space.

Moreover, since the storage space can be maintained at a high humidityby means of saturated water vapor pressure, storage of objects underlow-temperature, high-humidity environment can be realized.

Therefore, it becomes possible to provide an environment suitable forstorage of agricultural products (potatoes, vegetables, fruits, liveflowers, etc). Furthermore, since the storage space can be maintained atthe temperature of 0° C. approximately, the system may be used also forfreezing storage of frozen articles frozen below zero.

Further, due to the relationship between the temperature and density ofthe air (i.e. the lower the temperature, the higher the humidity), evenif the entrance-exit opening is kept open during the entry or exit ofthe objects into or from the storage space, in case the outside airtemperature is higher than the inside air temperature of the storagespace, it is possible to minimize entry of the outside air into theinner space of the heat-insulating outer shell.

Therefore, it becomes possible to minimize the leak of the cool air ofthe storage space to the outside, so that the temperature of the storagespace can be maintained easily.

Next, the above-described freezing of water utilizing latent heat willbe described with reference to FIG. 1(a).

The figure records temperature variation relative to time base occurringin water placed in a vat disposed inside a freezer. When the temperatureof the freezer becomes below 0° C., the temperature of the water in thevat is kept at 0° C. approximately. Upon lapse of certain time, however,the water changes into ice and the temperature becomes below 0° C.gradually. However, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the temperature of thesubstance in the vat not radiating latent heat therefrom follows thetemperature of the freezer. This experimental fact is demonstrated byFIG. 2. When the outside temperature falls toward point B, thetemperature of water becomes 0° and some of the water changes into iceand the energy discharged during this process is called latent heat.This latent heat discharges energy of 80 Kcal per 1 kg of water untilthe point A is reached where the water is frozen completely. Withadditional cooling after completion of discharge of latent heat, the icebecomes below 0° C. This phenomenon is reversible. Conversely, waterbecomes 0° C. by giving its heat to ice. The ice receives the heat, butis maintained at 0° C. until it receives 80 Kcal per 1 kg. Such receivedheat too is called latent heat. The present invention utilizes mainlythe condition between the point A and the point B. The large heatcapacities of water and ice contributes greatly to the maintenance of 0°C. environment, that is the system being less susceptible to the outsidetemperature.

According to one feature of the present invention as exemplified by theillustrations of FIGS. 5, 7 and 11, the system comprises: aheat-insulating outer shell capable of insulating inner space; an icestorage water tank capable of storing water therein disposed in an icestorage water tank disposing space provided in the inner space of theheat-insulating outer shell; a storage space for storing objects to bestored provided in the inner space of the heat-insulating outer shell;an outside-air inlet opening provided at a lower portion of theheat-insulating outer shell, the inlet opening being capable ofintroducing outside air into the inner space; and an inside-air outletopening provided at an upper portion of the heat-insulating outer shell,the outlet opening being capable of discharging inside air from theinner space of the heat-insulating outer shell to the outside, whereinthe ice storage water tank disposing space is disposed so as toencompass the storage space.

Another feature of the invention is that it has become possible tofreeze the water without using a blower driving unit or freezer insidethe ice storage water tank by utilizing the cold source of the colddistrict which is the natural resource of the earth. Hence, ice can bemade inexpensively and energy can be saved, so that the system cancontribute significantly to the reduction of carbon dioxide gas outputon the earth, and storage of objects under low-temperature,high-humidity environment can be realized.

Moreover, as the ice storage water tank disposing space is interposedbetween the storage space and the outside, the ice storage water tankdisposing space not only provides cold to the storage space, but alsoguards the storage space, whereby the influence from the environmentalchange of the outside air to the storage space may be advantageouslyreduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to maintain the storage of thestorage object under more favorable conditions for a longer time.

Accordingly, it becomes possible to provide an environment suitable forstorage of agricultural products (potatoes, vegetables, fruits, liveflowers, etc). Furthermore, the system may be used also for freezingstorage of frozen articles frozen below zero.

According to another feature of the present invention as exemplified bythe illustrations of FIGS. 5, 7 and 11, the system comprises: aheat-insulating outer shell capable of insulating inner space; an icestorage water tank capable of storing water therein disposed in an icestorage water tank disposing space provided in the inner space of theheat-insulating outer shell; a storage space for storing objects to bestored provided in the inner space of the heat-insulating outer shell;an outside-air inlet opening provided at a lower portion of theheat-insulating outer shell, the inlet opening being capable ofintroducing outside air into the inner space; and an inside-air outletopening provided at an upper portion of the heat-insulating outer shell,the outlet opening being capable of discharging inside air from theinner space of the heat-insulating outer shell to the outside, whereinthe heat-insulating outer shell has a cylindrical shape.

According to another feature of the invention it has become possible tofreeze the water inside the ice storage water tank without using ablower driving unit or freezer by utilizing the cold source of the colddistrict which is the natural resource of the earth. Hence, ice can bemade inexpensively and energy can be saved, so that the system cancontribute significantly to the reduction of carbon dioxide gas outputon the earth, and storage of objects under low-temperature,high-humidity environment can be realized.

Moreover, due particularly to the cylindrical shape of theheat-insulating outer shell, the shell has a circular cross section.Hence, in order to obtain a predetermined inner space capacity, it ispossible to reduce the surface area of the wall, in comparison with onehaving a rectangular cross section. As a result, heat loss through thewall surface may be reduced, thereby to restrict thawing of the iceduring warm season. Thus, the use amount of insulating material may beminimized, the heat insulting is two-dimensional and the volume of theice is three-dimensional. For this reason, the larger the system, thesmaller the amount of ice needed and the smaller the thickness of theheat insulating material. That is, there is achieved the effect ofrealization of construction cost reduction per unit storage amount.

Moreover, such circular shape has less resistance against an externalforce such as wind pressure against the wall surface, and the externalforce will be broken up into force components along the wall surface,which can be absorbed by compression stress of the material forming thewall surface. Hence, the shape is reasonable from the dynamics point ofview. So that, through simplification of the building facility, theconstruction costs may be reduced advantageously.

According to another feature of the present invention, as exemplified bythe illustrations of FIGS. 5, 7 and 11, the heat-insulating outer shellhas a cylindrical shape.

According to yet another feature of the invention, in addition to theachievement of the function/effects by the invention, theheat-insulating outer shell has a circular cross section. Hence, inorder to obtain a predetermined inner space capacity, it is possible toreduce the surface area of the wall, in comparison with one having arectangular cross section. As a result, heat loss through the wallsurface may be reduced, thereby to restrict thawing of the ice duringwarm season. Thus, the use amount of insulating material may beminimized, the heat insulting is two-dimensional and the volume of theice is three-dimensional. For this reason, the larger the system, thesmaller the amount of ice needed and the smaller the thickness of theheat insulating material. That is, there is achieved the effect ofrealization of construction cost reduction per unit storage amount.

Moreover, such circular shape has less resistance against an externalforce such as wind pressure against the wall surface, and the externalforce will be broken up into force components along the wall surface,which can be absorbed by compression stress of the material forming thewall surface. Hence, the shape is reasonable from the dynamics point ofview. So that, through simplification of the building facility, theconstruction costs may be reduced advantageously.

According to yet another feature of the present invention, asexemplified by the illustrations of FIGS. 5, 7 and 11, the ice storagewater tank disposing space is disposed so as to encompass the storagespace.

According to yet another feature of the invention, the function/effectby the invention can be achieved. In addition, as the ice storage watertank disposing space is interposed between the storage space and theoutside, the ice storage water tank disposing space not only providescold to the storage space, but also guards the storage space, wherebythe influence from the environmental change of the outside air to thestorage space may be advantageously reduced. Therefore, it becomespossible to continue to provide storage for the storage objects undereven better conditions for a longer period of time. Incidentally, suchencompassing condition of the storage space may include variousconditions such as a condition in which only a lateral side of thestorage space is encompassed, a further condition in which the space isencompassed, including its lower side, and a still further condition inwhich the space is encompassed entirely, including all of its upper,lower and lateral sides.

According to yet another feature of the present invention, asexemplified by the illustrations of FIGS. 5, 7 and 11, the systemfurther comprises a loading-unloading equipment capable of transportingthe storage object through the entrance/exit opening.

That is, the carry-in and carry-out operations of the storage objectsmay be carried out speedily and efficiently. So that, the operating timeperiod of the entrance-exit opening during the carry-in or carry-outoperation of the storage object may be shortened, thereby to reducewasteful leak of the cold air from the inside of the storage facility.And, the temperature maintenance of the storage space may be effectedmore easily.

According to yet another feature of the present invention, asexemplified by the illustrations of FIGS. 9 and 10, the systemcomprises: a heat-insulating outer shell capable of insulating innerspace; an ice storage water tank capable of storing water thereindisposed in an ice storage water tank disposing space provided in theinner space of the heat-insulating outer shell; a storage space forstoring objects to be stored provided in the inner space of theheat-insulating outer shell; an outside-air inlet opening provided at alower portion of the heat-insulating outer shell, the inlet openingbeing capable of introducing outside air into the inner space; aninside-air outlet opening provided at an upper portion of theheat-insulating outer shell, the outlet opening being capable ofdischarging inside air from the inner space of the heat-insulating outershell to the outside; an object entrance-exit opening provided at anupper portion of the heat-insulating outer shell for allowingentrance-exit of the objects to and from the storage space; and a blowermeans W capable of being driven to selectively provide an outside airintroducing state for introducing outside through the outside-air inletopening into the ice storage water tank disposing space and an insideair circulating state for circulating the air between the ice storagewater tank disposing space and the storage space.

According to another feature of the invention, when the outside air isunder low temperature, by switching the blower means to the outside airintroducing state, outside air is introduced through the outside-airinlet opening into the ice storage water tank disposing space, so thatthis air absorbs latent heat from the water stored within the icestorage water tank for freezing this water.

Thus, it has become possible to freeze the water inside the ice storagewater tank by utilizing the cold source of the cold district which isthe natural resource of the earth. Hence, ice can be made inexpensivelyand energy can be saved, so that the system can contribute significantlyto the reduction of carbon dioxide gas output on the earth. And, by thecold from the ice made in the ice storage water tank disposing space,the storage space can be maintained under refrigerating condition (about0° C.), for allowing storage objects stored in the storage space.

Moreover, since the storage space can be maintained at a high humidityby means of saturated water vapor pressure, storage of objects underlow-temperature, high-humidity environment can be realized.

Therefore, it becomes possible to provide an environment suitable forstorage of agricultural products (potatoes, vegetables, fruits, liveflowers, etc). Furthermore, since the storage space can be maintained atthe temperature of 0° C. approximately, the system may be used also forfreezing storage of frozen articles frozen below zero.

Further, due to the relationship between the temperature and density ofthe air (i.e. the lower the temperature, the higher the humidity), evenif the entrance-exit opening is kept open during the entry or exit ofthe objects into or from the storage space, in case the outside airtemperature is higher than the inside air temperature of the storagespace, it is possible to minimize entry of the outside air into theinner space of the heat-insulating outer shell. Hence, the maintenanceof the temperature of the storage space may be effected easily.

Moreover, as the ice storage water tank disposing space is interposedbetween the storage space and the outside, the ice storage water tankdisposing space not only provides cold to the storage space, but alsoguards the storage space, whereby the influence from the environmentalchange of the outside air to the storage space may be advantageouslyreduced. Accordingly, it becomes possible to continue to provide storagefor the storage objects under even better conditions for a longer periodof time.

On the other hand, by setting the blower means under the inside aircirculating state, the cold stored in the ice storage water tank may beprovided to the storage space for maintaining the refrigeratingcondition of this storage space.

Therefore, even in the presence of cold season or warm season, therefrigerated storage may be carried out continuously.

According to another feature of the invention, the storage facility isprepared. Then, water is charged into the ice storage water tank. Whenthe outside air becomes sub-zero temperature, the outside-air inletopening and the inside-air outlet opening are rendered communicable, soas to introduce the outside air into the ice storage water tankdisposing space, so that the cold of this outside air may freeze thewater for maintaining the ambience temperature of the storage space at arefrigerating condition. Thereafter, while the outside-air inlet openingis kept closed, the storage object is introduced through theentrance-exit opening into the storage space to be stored therein.

That is, by utilizing the natural environment, ice, whether in a smallamount or in a large amount, can be made for multiple purposes, withoutrequiring a large amount of electricity, and by using this ice theambient temperature of the storage space may be maintained under therefrigerating condition, so that the storage objects stored in thestorage space may be stored under low-temperature, high-humiditycondition in a stable manner.

Further, if the amount of ice to be made is designed such that theamount is large enough not to be completely melted even when subjectedto heat during the spring, summer and autumn seasons when the outsidetemperature is high, water and ice can coexist within the ice storagewater tank throughout the spring, summer and autumn seasons. Therefore,as shown in FIG. 2, whole-year vegetables can be stored under lowtemperature.

And, by minimizing heat loss associated with entry and exit of thestorage objects, storage of the storage objects is made possible withmaintaining the refrigerating environment stable for a longer period oftime.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating latent heat of water.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating relationship between heatcapacity and temperature of water.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating the concept of ice making.

FIGS. 4 are construction views of a basic embodiment of low-temperature,high-humidity storage house relating to the present invention; in which,(a) is a section along AA′ in FIG. 4(b) and (b) is a section along BB′in FIG. 4(a).

FIG. 5 are explanatory views illustrating a storage facility relating toa first embodiment; in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a side viewin section.

FIG. 6 are construction views of a basic embodiment of alow-temperature, high-humidity storage house for whole-year use; inwhich (a) is a section along BB′ in FIG. 6(b) and (b) is a section alongAA′ in FIG. 6(a).

FIG. 7 are explanatory views illustrating a storage facility relating toa second embodiment; in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a side viewin section.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual view in side view showing a storage facilityrelating to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual view in side view showing a storage facilityrelating to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual view in side view showing a storage facilityrelating to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual view showing a storage facility relating to afurther embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual view showing a storage facility relating to astill further embodiment.

BEST MODE OF EMBODYING THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in details, with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]

An embodiment of a low-temperature, high-humidity storage houseaccording to the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 4. This is an embodiment in which the storage house is installedunder the ground of a house. A storage space 3 is provided inside abuilding structure having heat-insulated construction. After ice is madeby an ice maker described later with reference to FIG. 3, an outside-airinlet opening 1 a and an inside-air outlet opening 1 b are closedrespectively by an air-inlet damper 31 and an air-outlet damper 32. Thedegree of heat insulation provided by a heat-insulating wall 42 shouldbe such that the insulating material has a thickness sufficient toprevent the ice from being melted until a desired time during a warmseason, due to reception of heat. In the case of this embodiment, it ispreferred that after the making of ice, the temperature of the storagespace 3 be monitored and storage into the storage space be waited untilthe temperature becomes 0° C. approximately due to reception of heatfrom the outside. Alternatively, if a sufficient amount of water ispresent in an ice storage water tank so that ice and water can coexist,as such coexistence of ice and water occurs at 0° C., then, incondition, the storage space 3 can be maintained under high humidity bythe saturated water vapor from the ice storage water tank 4. However, atthe border of the heat insulating wall on the inner side of the storagespace 3, because the temperature is same as that of the space, nosupersaturation occurs, hence, no dew concentration occurs.

Incidentally, inside the ice storage water tank 4, there are formed gaps35 by means of spacers 34. Further, the heat insulating buildingconstruction 30 includes a carry-in carry-out door 36 and storageshelves 33.

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) show an example of a storage facility relating tothe present invention (referred to simply as ‘storage facility’hereinafter) T1. The storage facility T1 includes a heat-insulatingouter shell 1 made of concrete capable of heat insulating an inner spaceV, a storage space 3 provided at the center of the inner space V capableof storing agricultural products (an example of storage object), an icestorage water tank disposing space 5 disposed to encompass the storagespace 3 for disposing a container (an example of ice storage water tank)4, and a loading-unloading equipment 6 disposed vertically along a sideof the heat insulating outer shell 1 for carrying in and carrying outthe articles.

This storage facility T1 is designed mainly for the purposes of storageand precooling of the agricultural products 2 during the harvest timethereof and has a capacity of storing about 1 (one) ton of agriculturalproducts (vegetables in this embodiment).

The heat insulating outer shell 1 includes an outer peripheral wallportion 1A having a cylindrical shape (having an outer diameter of about6 m) and includes integrally also a roof portion 1B having anumbrella-like shape. The outer peripheral wall portion 1A defines, at alower region thereof, a plurality of outside-air inlet openings 1 awhich can be opened and closed, with the openings 1 a being spaced apartfrom each other along the peripheral direction. The roof portion 1Bdefines, at a top region thereof, a plurality of inside-air outletopenings 1 b which can be opened and closed. On a side of the inside-airoutlet openings 1 b, there is provided an entrance exit opening 7 whichcan be closed and opened for carrying in and carrying out the articlesto and from the inner space V by means of the loading-unloadingequipment 6.

The storage space 3 has dimensions of about 3 m in the diameter andabout 4 m in the height. And, the space accommodates therein pallets orstorage frames storing therein the agricultural products 2. In thiscase, if agricultural product baskets 2A housing the agriculturalproducts 2 therein are employed in the storage frame, they can be housedin the vertically and horizontally stacked condition, thereby to improvethe storage efficiency. The storage frames are constructed for allowingfree communication of the inside air therethrough so as not to interferewith heat exchange between the inside air of the storage space 3 and theagricultural products 2 or respiration of the agricultural products 2.

The ice storage water tank disposing space 5 is formed in the areabetween the heat insulating outer shell 1 and the storage space 3 and anumber of the containers 4 are stacked or disposed in the vertical andhorizontal directions in this space.

Each container 4 is made of plastic and filled with water. And, thiscontainer 4 is open at its top for allowing the surface of the water tobe exposed. Accordingly, due to the water vapor from the water, theinner space V may be maintained at high humidity and also when the wateris frozen, the air of the inner space may be cooled by the heat exchangewith the air from this inner space V, thereby to provide a refrigeratingenvironment.

The loading-unloading equipment 6 is constructed of e.g. a lift and aconveyer, so that the equipment is capable of carrying in and carryingout the articles (agricultural product baskets 2A, containers 4 or thelike) through the entrance-exit openings 7 to and from the inner spaceV.

That is, lift-up and lift-down operations of the articles to and fromthe inner space V may be effected by means of the lifter and horizontaltransport of the articles can be done by means of the conveyer.

Incidentally, of the components of the storage facility T1, the heatinsulating outer shell 1 and the containers 4 disposed in the icestorage water tank disposing space together constitute an ice maker S.

Next, ice making process using the ice maker S will be described withreference to a conceptual model illustrated in FIG. 3.

The outside-air inlet openings 1 a and the inside-air outlet openings 1b are kept open. With this, in a cold district during winter, a wind(outside air) of sub-zero temperature is introduced, and the temperatureof the inner space V too is lowered. In association with this, the waterin the lowest-level containers 4 begins to freeze while generatinglatent heat therefrom. This is represented by the point B in FIG. 2.Thereafter, the condition is gradually shifted to the point A in FIG. 2.In the course of this, since the temperature in the vicinity of thewater surfaces of the containers 4 is 0° C. and the temperature at theoutside-air inlet openings 1 a is sub-zero, there is developed atemperature gradient, which results in a negative pressure inside theice storage water tank disposing space 5 for further promotingintroduction of the outside air, that is, there is developed an upwardair current. In this manner, as more and more latent heat is generatedfrom the containers of the lowest level, the water in the group ofcontainers 4 stacked in four stages gradually freezes. For more speedyice making, an air discharge fan may be attached to the inside-airoutlet opening 1 b.

After the water of all of the containers 4 is frozen, the outside-airinlet openings 1 a and the inside-air outlet openings 1 b are closed forheat insulation. Even after complete freezing, a portion of the icebecomes water again due to reception of heat from the ground surface, sothat the condition inside the containers 4 will be between the point Aand the point B in FIG. 2. Therefore, the ice storage water tankdisposing space 5 is maintained generally around 0° C.

Further, because of the large contact area between water surfaces ofmany containers and the air, the water vapor from these water surfaceskeep the inner space V under high humidity.

In the above-described manner, ice is made in the containers 4.

Then, for storing the agricultural products 2 in the inner space V, itis confirmed that the temperature of the inner space V is about 0° C.Then, the entrance-exit opening 7 is opened and the agricultural productbasket 2A accommodating the agricultural products 2 therein istransported by means of the loading-unloading equipment to an upperportion of the entrance-exit opening 7 and then lowered to the storagespace through the entrance-exit opening 7. In this way, the baskets willbe stacked and arranged one after another vertically and horizontally.

The storage facility T1 of this embodiment is suitable for storage ofvegetables immediately before cold season.

In the spring, summer and autumn seasons, the outside-air inlet openings1 a and the inside-air outlet openings 1 b are closed. Although theoutside temperature rises, the effect of the temperature to theagricultural products 2 in the storage space 3 may be limited as theproducts are protected by the heat insulating outer shell 1 and the icein the ice storage water tank disposing space 5. Thermodynamically, acylindrical shape capable of minimizing thawing of the ice during warmseasons will be most reasonable. Because of its circular cross section,the heat transfer area can be minimal, thus, the amount of heatinsulating material to be used is minimal as well. This storage methodcan be enforced without requiring electric energy at all.

[Second Embodiment]

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment capable of storage also during winter whenthe outside temperature is sub-zero. In this FIG. 6, a buildingconstruction 30 having heat insulating structure includes a heatinsulating wall 41 and another heat insulating wall 37 interposedbetween the storage space 3 and the ice storage water tank disposingspace 5 so as to prevent direct introduction of sub-zero outside airthrough the outside air inlet opening 1 a into the storage space 3. Atan upper region inside the ice storage water tank disposing space 5,there is provided a fan 11 for feeding moist air abundantly present inthe upper region in the ice storage water tank disposing space 5 via afirst flow passage 10 into a cool air inlet opening 38. In the course ofthis, inside the storage space 3, there occurs respiration by the freshair introduced from the lower region and the warmed air flows through areturn opening 12 formed at an upper portion to be returned into the icestorage water tank disposing space 5.

According to this embodiment, since the ice storage tanks 4 in the icestorage water tank disposing space 5 stores therein a sufficient amountof ice made by heat reception during warm season when the outsidetemperature is high, the whole-year storage is possible. That is, thethickness of the insulating material is determined, with considerationto the ice storage water amount, respiration heat of the vegetables andthe outside temperature so as to assure the coexistence of ice and waterin the ice storage water tank disposing space 5, the system may beoperated throughout the year, by controlling the air inlet damper 31 andthe air outlet damper 32.

It may some times happen that the water in the ice storage water tanksruns short. In such case, a water supply valve 40 may be provided at theuppermost portion of the ice storage water tank 4 for feeding waterthereto when such shortage of water has occurred. If the ice storagewater tanks are disposed in different levels, water supplied to theupper level may reach the lower level.

Incidentally, the heat insulating building construction 30 includes acarry-in carry-out door 36 and vegetable baskets 39. Also, spacers 34are provided between the ice storage water tanks 4.

FIG.7 shows a storage facility T1 capable of large-scale, whole-year,long-term low-temperature and high-humidity storage with cool air flowwith low energy consumption.

The constructions of those components which will not be particularlydescribed are identical to those in the first embodiment.

The storage facility T2 has an outer diameter of 34 m, an inner diameterof 28 m and a height of 6 m. The lower half of the storage facility T2is disposed under ground. With this, the system may utilize the naturalheat insulating effect. Also, the center of the roof is supported by asupport column 8.

Referring to the inside of the storage facility T2, the ice storagewater tank disposing space 5 is disposed in such a manner as toencompass the storage space 3, with these two spaces 5, 3 beingpartitioned from each other by a heat insulating wall 9. And, thestorage facility T2 includes a first flow passage 10 communicated withthe upper end portion of the ice storage water tank disposing space 5and the lower end portion of the storage space 3, a fan 11 for feedingair present at the upper end portion of the ice storage water tankdisposing space 5 via the first flow passage 10 to the lower end portionof the storage space 3, and a return opening 12 for allowing air toescape from the storage space 3 into the ice storage water tankdisposing space 5 when the air is fed by the fan 11.

Accordingly, as the fan 11 is drive to feed air, there occurscirculation of air present in the ice storage water tank disposing space5 and the storage space 3, thereby to restrict rise of temperature inthe storage space 3 for maintaining good refrigerating condition.

Further, at a portion of the roof portion, there is sectioned anantisweating chamber 13, in order to prevent dew concentration on thesurface of the agricultural product due to sharp temperature change whenthe agricultural product 2 stored in the storage facility T2 is takenout of the system. That is, the temperature of the antisweating chamber13 is set to be between the temperature of the storage space 3 and theoutside temperature, so that the temperature may become closer to theoutside temperature gradually. Incidentally, at the partitioning portionbetween the antisweating chamber 13 and the inner space V, theentrance-exit opening 7 is formed.

The storage capacity of the storage facility T2 according to thisembodiment is set to 1,000 tons, in case the system stores potatoestherein.

Next, there will be described how the storage facility T2 operates tocope with the three periods, i.e. the ice making period, cold period andwarm period. The cold period refers to a period when the outsidetemperature is below 0° C. and the warm period refers to a period whenthe outside temperature is above 0° C., respectively.

Referring to the ice making period, water is stored in all of thecontainers 4. If the outside temperature is below 0° C., then ice makingstarts by the outside-air inlet openings 1 a and the inside-air outletopenings 1 b disposed above. Water begins to freeze, starting from thelower portions of the containers 4 filled with water and stacked oneabove another in the ice storage water tank disposing space 5, withlatent heat being generated from the water during the process. Then,there is established coexistence of ice and water inside the ice storagewater tank disposing space 5. The moist air (temperature: 0° C.,humidity: nearly 100%) generated inside the ice storage water tankdisposing space 5 is caused by the fan 11 to enter the first flowpassage 10 to be introduced from the lowermost area of the storage space3. At the upper portion, there is provided the inside-air outlet opening1 b. The fan 11 is very effective for such large-scale storage ofvegetables.

In the warm period, the outside air outlet openings 1 a are completelyclosed, and the air of the ice storage water tank disposing space 5 isfed from the lower area of the space by the fan 11 into the storagespace 3. The air present in the upper area of the ice storage water tankdisposing space 5 may be fed to the lower are of the storage space. Bymeans of the fan 11, the air present inside the ice storage water tankdisposing space is fed through the first flow passage 10 into thestorage space. The air present inside the storage space 3 is returned tothe return opening 12 to be reused. Even when the outside temperaturerises, because of the protection afforded by the heat insulating andabundant ice, i.e. because of the large heat capacity, the environmentof 0° C. temperature and 100% humidity may be maintained as long as thecoexistence of ice and water continues to exist.

In the cold period, the outside-air outlet openings 1 a are opened andthe latent heat escapes through the inside-air outlet openings 1 b, sothat freezing begins. The air present at the upper area of the icestorage water tank disposing space 5 is sent through the first flowpassage 10 into the storage space 3. The air past through the storagespace 3 is discharged to the outside.

In the manner described above, the storage facility according to thisembodiment can constantly provide the environment of 0° C. temperatureand 90% or higher humidity as long as the coexistence of ice and wateris maintained.

As shown in FIG. 2, as long as the coexistence of ice and water remains,the temperature inside the space is maintained at 0° C. The temperatureinside the storage space 3 is constantly monitored by a temperaturesensor, so that the fan 11 can supply 0° C. air as needed. Thevegetables respire, thus generate heat. By utilizing this together withthe ground surface as the heat source, it is possible to set thetemperature slightly above 0° C., for example at 2° C. However, sincethe vegetables take in oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide gas, thereoccurs shortage of oxygen inside the storage space 3. In order toprevent this, a trace amount of fresh air is introduced intermittentlythrough the outside air inlet openings 1 a. The amount of heat generatedin association with this introduction of air is so small as not tonoticeably affect the temperature of the storage space 3.

If the storage facility T2 according to this embodiment of the presentinvention is used, the vegetables, or agricultural products such asvegetables or fruits can be shipped by any desired amount and any time,since the system provides the low-temperature, high-humidity conditionthroughout the year. Because of this, it may be expected to achievestabilization of prices of vegetables on the market.

[Third Embodiment]

FIG. 8 is an embodiment wherein a storage facility T3 is installed in ahouse.

Incidentally, the constructions of those parts not particularlydescribed are identical to those in the first and second embodimentsdescribed above.

Inside a heat insulating outer shell 1, there are provided a first icestorage water tank disposing space 5A capable of communicating with theoutside, a storage space 3, and a second ice storage water tankdisposing space 5B interposed between the first ice storage water tankdisposing space 5A and the storage space 3. The heat insulating outershell 1 is formed such that the first ice storage water tank disposingspace 4A is disposed outdoors and the storage space 3 and the second icestorage water tank disposing space 5B are disposed indoors.

In the instant embodiment, the heat insulating outer shell 1 has a cubicshape.

In the storage space 3, steel containers 4 capable of resisting freezingand thawing of ice are installed in different levels. Upwardly thereof,a water supply nozzle 14 of tap water is provided for automaticallyfeeding water from the above.

Downwardly of the first ice storage water tank disposing space 5A, thereis provided an outside-air inlet opening 1 a and upwardly of the samethere is provided an inside-air outlet opening 1 b, with the respectiveopenings being openable and closable.

Also, upwardly of the storage space, there is provided an entrance-exitopening 7.

Upon completion of ice making in the first ice storage water tankdisposing space 5A, the outside air inlet opening 1 a and the inside airoutlet opening 1 b are closed By means of the fan 11, 0° C. air isintroduced through the second ice storage water tank disposing space 5Binto the storage space 3. Although this storage facility T3 issurrounded by insulating material, the inside of the storage space 3tends to be warmed by the heat generated for heating the house. This airis flows through the return opening 12 provided above the storage space3 back into the first ice storage water tank disposing space 5A. Thetemperature inside the storage space 3 is constantly monitored and thetemperature control can be effected by means of the fan 11, or the watersupply nozzle 14, a freezer 15 disposed at a lower portion of the secondice storage water tank disposing space.

In this way, in case the storage space 3 is limited or when the coldsource needed for ice making is insufficient as is the case with a warmdistrict, it is also possible to provide a freezer 15 for making up forthe deficiency of ice making. The electricity for this freezer may beprovided by utilizing inexpensive midnight power.

Incidentally, according to this embodiment, the ice storage water tankdisposing space 5 includes the first ice storage water tank disposingspace 5A and the second ice storage water tank disposing space 5B. Withthis construction, it becomes possible not only to further increase thehumidity of the air to be fed into the storage space 3, but also toelevate to the vicinity of 0° C. the temperature of the air fed into thesecond ice storage water tank disposing space by means of latent heat ofthe water even when the temperature of the air present inside the firstice storage water tank disposing space is low such as sub-zero duringthe ice making period.

Therefore, the storage facility T3 according to the present embodimentcan be used most suitably for storage of flowers also. If the icestorage water tank disposing space is insufficient within a shop, it ispossible to minimize the cutting of flows or waste of flows by utilizingmidnight power in combination. Further, if the invention is utilized fora limited period from the winter season to the early spring, sincesufficient amount of cold water is stored in the ice storage water tankdisposing space, the return opening 12 may be utilized for cooling theinside of the house.

[Fourth Embodiment]

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a storage facility T4 capable of large-scale,whole-year, long-term low-temperature and high-humidity storage withcool air flow with low energy consumption.

Incidentally, the constructions of those parts not particularlydescribed are identical to those in the first, second and thirdembodiments described above.

Inside the storage facility T4, the ice storage water tank disposingspace 5 is arranged so as to surround the lateral and lower sides of thestorage space 3 and these spaces 5, 3 are separated from each other bymeans of a heat insulating wall 9.

And, a vertical shaft section 17 partitioned from the storage space 3 bymeans of a heat insulating wall 16 is provided at the center of theinner space V. The lower end portion of this vertical shaft section 17is communicated with the ice storage water tank disposing space 5.Further, at the upper end portion of the vertical shaft section 17,there is formed an inside air outlet opening 1 b which is openable andclosable. Further, at the vertically intermediate portion of thevertical shaft section 17, the fan 11 is attached. This fan 11 isselectively operable to feed air in the forward and reverse directions.

Upwardly of the storage space 3, there is provided an antisweatingchamber 13. And, a heat insulating wall 18 interposed between thestorage space 3 and the antisweating chamber 13 includes anentrance-exit opening 7 which can be closed and opened for carrying inand carrying out the agricultural products 2 to and from the storagespace 2.

A heat insulating wall 9 vertically interposed between the ice storagewater tank disposing space 5 and the storage space 3 includes, at avertically intermediate portion thereof, a first opening 19 capable ofintroducing a portion of the outside air taken into the ice storagewater tank disposing space 5 through the outside air inlet opening 1 ainto the storage space 3. A heat insulating wall 16 verticallyinterposed between the storage space 3 and the vertical shaft section 17includes, at positions respectively upwardly and downwardly of theposition where the fan 11 is attached, second and third openings 20, 21capable of discharging the air present in the storage space 3 into thevertical shaft section 17.

Incidentally, the fan 11, first opening 19, second opening 20, thirdopening 21, outside air inlet opening 1 a and the inside air inletopening 1 b together constitute a blower means W.

Next, there will be described how the storage facility T4 operates tocope with the three periods, i.e. the ice making period, cold period andwarm period. The cold period refers to a period when the outsidetemperature is below 0° C. and the warm period refers to a period whenthe outside temperature is above 0° C., respectively.

Referring to the ice making period, as shown in FIG. 9, water is storedin all of the containers 4. If the outside temperature is below 0° C.,then ice making starts by opening the outside-air inlet openings 1 a andthe inside-air outlet openings 1 b and driving the fan 11 in thecondition for feeding the inside air to the inside air outlet side(referred to as ‘downstream side’ hereinafter). Water begins to freeze,with latent heat being generated from the upper containers 4 of thecontainers filled with water and disposed vertically and horizontally inthe ice storage water tank disposing space. Thus, there is graduallyestablished co-existence of ice and water inside the ice storage watertank disposing space 5.

Then, during cold reason, as shown in FIG. 9, by opening the firstopening 19 and the second opening 21 in accordance with the aircommunication during the ice making period described above, thelow-temperature air of about 0° C. which has taken latent heat away fromthe water in the containers 4 is introduced into the storage space 3also, whereby the refrigerating condition may be maintained.Accordingly, in this condition, regarding the flow of air from theoutside air inlet openings 1 a to the inside air outlet openings 1 b,there are simultaneously generated a flow from the ice storage watertank disposing space 5 through the storage space 3 to the vertical shaft17 and another flow from the ice storage water tank disposing space 5 tothe vertical shaft.

Incidentally, when the temperature inside the storage space 3 is below0° C., it is possible to maintain appropriate temperature by closing thefirst opening 19 and the third opening 21.

During warm season, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the outside air inletopenings 1 a and the inside air outlet openings 1 b are completelyclosed. Then, by opening the first opening 19 and the second opening 20and driving the fan 11 to feed air in the opposite direction from thedownstream direction, the air which has become about 0° C. from thevertical shaft 17 through the ice storage water tank disposing space 5is fed via the first opening 19 into the storage space 3, so as tomaintain the indoor temperature of the storage space 3 at an appropriatetemperature. The air inside the storage space 3 is returned through thesecond opening 20 to the vertical shaft 17 for recirculation.

Incidentally, the driving heat generated in association with the drivingof the fan 11, though being small in the amount, is cooled as it passesthe ice storage water tank disposing space 5, so that its adverse effectto the inside of the storage space 3 may be avoided.

Therefore, even when the outside temperature rises, because of theprotection afforded by the heat insulation and abundant ice water, thatis, the large heat capacity, the environment of 0° C. temperature and100% humidity may be maintained as long as the coexistence of ice andwater remains.

Further, since the temperature distribution inside the storage space 3may be reduced by means of the air current generated by the fan 11, thesystem is very effective in particular for a large-scale storage ofagricultural products.

As described above, according to the storage system of the presentembodiment, the system constantly provides the environment of humidityof 90% or more, as long as the coexistence of ice and water ismaintained.

As shown in FIG. 2, as long as the coexistence of ice and water remains,the temperature inside the space is maintained at 0° C. The temperatureinside the storage space 3 is constantly monitored by a temperaturesensor, so that the fan 11 can supply 0° C. air as needed. Thevegetables respire, thus generate heat. By utilizing this together withthe ground surface as the heat source, it is possible to set thetemperature slightly above 0° C., for example at 2° C. However, sincethe vegetables take in oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide gas, thereoccurs shortage of oxygen inside the storage space 3. In order toprevent this, a trace amount of fresh air is introduced intermittentlythrough the outside air inlet openings 1 a. The amount of heat generatedin association with this introduction of air is so small as not tonoticeably affect the temperature of the storage space 3.

Further, since the agricultural products introduced into the storagespace 3 are rapidly refrigerated under the 0° C. environment, it ispossible to cause the cell tissues of the agricultural products tocontract for restricting moisture evaporation and/or respiration,thereby to prevent quality deterioration thereof. That is, the so-called“precooling” may be effected in an ideal manner.

If the storage facility T4 according to this embodiment of the presentinvention is used, the vegetables can be shipped by any desired amountand any time, since the system provides the low-temperature,high-humidity condition throughout the year. Because of this, it may beexpected to achieve stabilization of prices of vegetables on the market.

Next, other embodiments will be described.

<1> The storage objects are not limited to the agricultural productsdescribed in the foregoing embodiments. They may be e.g. beef, pork,poultry, frozen fish meat, etc. These will be generically referred to asstorage objects. Further, regarding storage, it is not limited torefrigerated storage, but it may include frozen storage as well.

<2> The ice storage water tank is not limited to the container made ofplastic or steel described in the foregoing embodiment. It may be onemade of metal or ceramic or may comprise a bag made of synthetic resin.Further, as for the ice storage water tank, by forming it in a shapeproving a large water surface area, such as a fan shape, it is possibleto promote heat exchange between the air in the storage space and thewater, thus achieving efficient ice making.

<3> The storage system is maintained long in the closed condition duringthe period thereof storing the storage objects 2 in the storage space 3.Then, in case it is used for storage of objects 2 which respire, theretends to occur shortage of oxygen in the inner space V. In order toprevent this, it is preferred to provide a control mechanism forautomatically determining the oxygen concentration in the inner space Vand periodically introducing fresh air by timer control scheme.

<4> In the foregoing embodiments, the storage objects 2 under the roomtemperature are directly introduced and stored in the storage space.Instead, as shown in FIG. 11 for example, if a rapid cooling means K isprovided adjacent the entrance-exit opening 7 for causing the storageobject 2 to come into contact with cold air or cold water for rapidlycooling the same, the storage object 2 may be rapidly cooled before itsstorage at the storage space 3, whereby the freshness of the storageobject may be maintained easily.

<5> The ice maker S is not limited to the one described in the foregoingembodiments, dedicated for the storage system. Instead, as shown in FIG.12 for instance, it may be provided to the building construction B, sothat the cold of the ice made during cold season may be utilized as ameans for cooling the building during warm seasons. Needless to say,when a large amount of ice storage water tank disposing space can beassured, it is possible to make a large amount of ice, so that the coldof the ice storage water tank disposing space may be utilized for boththe storage system and cooling of the building.

<6> The heat insulating outer shell 1 is not limited to the onedescribed in the foregoing embodiments having the cylindrical shape.Instead, it may be modified into e.g. dome-shaped, spherical, or apolygonal plan shape, etc.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the storage system and storage method relating tothe present invention are suitable for low-temperature high humiditystorage of agricultural products such as potato, vegetables, and fruitsand for precooling of vegetables.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage system comprising: a heat-insulatingouter shell capable of insulating an inner space; an ice storage watertank capable of storing water therein disposed in an ice storage watertank disposing space provided in the inner space of the heat-insulatingouter shell; a storage space for storing objects to be stored providedin the inner space of the heat-insulating outer shell; an outside-airinlet opening provided at a lower portion of the heat-insulating outershell, the inlet opening capable of introducing outside air into theinner space; an inside-air outlet opening provided at an upper portionof the heat-insulating outer shell, the outlet opening capable ofdischarging inside air from the inner space of the heat-insulating outershell to the outside; and an object entrance-exit opening provided at anupper portion of the heat-insulating outer shell for allowingentrance-exit of the objects to and from the storage space, wherein whenthe storage system is utilized in a cold weather environment, theoutside-air inlet and inside-air outlet may be selectively opened topass substantially sub-zero ambient air through the inner space tofreeze the water that may be stored in the ice storage water tank. 2.The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the heat-insulatingouter shell has a cylindrical shape.
 3. The storage system according toclaim 1, wherein the ice storage water tank disposing space is disposedso as to encompass the storage space.
 4. The storage system according toclaim 1, further comprising a loading-unloading device capable oftransporting the storage object through the entrance-exit opening. 5.The storage system according to claim 2, wherein the ice storage watertank disposing space is disposed so as to encompass the storage space.6. The storage system according to claim 2, further comprising aloading-unloading device capable of transporting the storage objectthrough the entrance-exit opening.
 7. The storage system according toclaim 3, further comprising a loading-unloading device capable oftransporting the storage object through the entrance-exit opening.
 8. Astorage system comprising: a heat-insulating outer shell capable ofinsulating an inner space; an ice storage water tank capable of storingwater therein disposed in an ice storage water tank disposing spaceprovided in the inner space of the heat-insulating outer shell; astorage space for storing objects to be stored provided in the innerspace of the heat-insulating outer shell; an outside-air inlet openingprovided at a lower portion of the heat-insulating outer shell, theinlet opening capable of introducing outside air into the inner space ofthe heat insulating outer shell; and an inside-air outlet openingprovided at an upper portion of the heat-insulating outer shell, theoutlet opening capable of discharging inside air from the inner space ofthe heat-insulating outer shell to the outside, wherein the ice storagewater tank disposing space is disposed so as to encompass the storagespace, and wherein when the storage system is utilized in a cold weatherenvironment, the outside-air inlet and inside-air outlet may beselectively opened to pass substantially sub-zero ambient air throughthe inner space to freeze the water that may be stored in the icestorage water tank.
 9. The storage system according to claim 8, whereinthe heat-insulating outer shell has a cylindrical shape.
 10. A storagesystem comprising: a heat-insulating outer shell capable of insulatinginner space; an ice storage water tank capable of storing water thereindisposed in an ice storage water tank disposing space provided in theinner space of the heat-insulating outer shell; a storage space forstoring objects to be stored provided in the inner space of theheat-insulating outer shell; an outside-air inlet opening provided at alower portion of the heat-insulating outer shell, the inlet openingcapable of introducing outside air into the inner space; and aninside-air outlet opening provided at an upper portion of theheat-insulating outer shell, the outlet opening capable of discharginginside air from the inner space of the heat-insulating outer shell tothe outside, wherein the heat-insulating outer shell has a cylindricalshape, wherein when the storage system is utilized in a cold weatherenvironment, the outside-air inlet and inside-air outlet may beselectively opened to pass substantially sub-zero ambient air throughthe inner space to freeze the water that may be stored in the icestorage water tank.
 11. A storage system comprising: a heat-insulatingouter shell capable of insulating inner space; an ice storage water tankcapable of storing water therein disposed in an ice storage water tankdisposing space provided in the inner space of the heat-insulating outershell; a storage space for storing objects to be stored provided in theinner space of the heat-insulating outer shell; an outside-air inletopening provided at a lower portion of the heat-insulating outer shell,the inlet opening being capable of introducing outside air into theinner space of the heat insulating outer shell; an inside-air outletopening provided at an upper portion of the heat-insulating outer shell,the outlet opening being capable of discharging inside air from theinner space of the heat-insulating outer shell to the outside; an objectentrance-exit opening provided at an upper portion of theheat-insulating outer shell for allowing entrance-exit of the objects toand from the storage space; and a blower means capable of being drivento selectively provide an outside air introducing state for introducingoutside air through the outside-air inlet opening into the ice storagewater tank disposing space and an inside air circulating state forcirculating the air between the ice storage water tank disposing spaceand the storage space, wherein when the storage system is utilized in acold weather environment, the outside-air inlet and inside-air outletmay be selectively opened to pass substantially sub-zero ambient airthrough the inner space to freeze the water that may be stored in theice storage water tank.
 12. A storage method comprising the steps of:providing a storage space, comprising: a heat-insulating outer shellcapable of insulating an inner space; an ice storage water tank capableof storing water therein disposed in an ice storage water tank disposingspace provided in the inner space of the heat-insulating outer shell; astorage space for storing objects to be stored provided in the innerspace of the heat-insulating outer shell; an outside-air inlet openingprovided at a lower portion of the heat-insulating outer shell, theinlet opening capable of introducing outside air into the inner space;an inside-air outlet opening provided at an upper portion of theheat-insulating outer shell, the outlet opening capable of discharginginside air from the inner space of the heat-insulating outer shell tothe outside; and an object entrance-exit opening provided at an upperportion of the heat-insulating outer shell for allowing entrance-exit ofthe objects to and from the storage space; charging water into the icestorage water tank; when outside air becomes sub-zero temperature,rendering the outside-air inlet opening and the inside-air outletopening communicable so as to introduce the outside air into the icestorage water tank disposing space, and such that the sub-zerotemperature of the outside air may freeze the water for maintainingambient temperature of the storage space at a refrigeration condition;and while the outside-air inlet opening is kept closed, introducing thestorage object through the entrance-exit opening into the storage spaceto be stored therein, wherein when the storage system is utilized in acold weather environment, the outside-air inlet and inside-air outletmay be selectively opened to pass substantially sub-zero ambient airthrough the inner space to freeze the water that may be stored in theice storage water tank.